Page 59 of Cocky Secrets

Jett walks in, dressed like his friend in jeans and a clean white T-shirt. He thrusts out his hand. “Bear. Good to see you again.”

“Jett. How’s it goin’?”

“Good, good. We were wondering if there’s any news on when The Spiders will be released.”

Subconsciously I hit my thigh with the bouquet, tapping out my thoughts as I explain, “Preliminary hearing this week. Trial will be some time after that. Their leader might stay in custody, but the others may be released and have to return for their trial.” I glance to the flowers as one loses a petal, pull them up to safety as I finish, “I called the judge today and asked him to ensure that Briar would be out before the others. Give him a head start.”

Honey Badger and Jett cock their heads like they’re suddenly seeing a different person than the man they were just staring at. Honey Badger takes a step back, blinking rapidly. “You did what?”

“Figured I owed him for keeping Sage safe.”

The two men exchange a look as Margaret watches them. She raises her voice to say, “That was very thoughtful of you.”

“I saw his record. I know what he’s capable of. That he stuck his neck out for Sageagainsthis club, I believe that means something.”

I glance to the right at movement in my peripheral vision, and see Sage through the doorway, descending a staircase. A flash of red beauty, she momentarily disappears and I wait until she enters the foyer wearing a beautiful ruby dress with thin straps, the length to just above her knees. In high heels, with her red hair piled up on her head, she knocks the wind out of me. “Wow,” I rasp, taking a step to meet her.

Sage takes the offered roses, lowers her beautiful face to smell them, closing her eyes and breathing in. “They’re beautiful,” she smiles and I feel it from head to toe.

“You’re breathtaking.”

Jett is squinting at me like he’s got so many thoughts in his head they hurt. “Judge went for it?”

Sage asks, “What’re you all talking about?”

“I called the judge and asked for the man who helped you to be let out before his club. So he could have a head start. Not be a sitting duck for their vengeance.” Focusing on Jett and Honey Badger, I confirm, “The judge is going to move the other Spiders to Tuesday and keep just his case on the docket for Monday, releasing him a day early.”

Honey Badger grunts, “The other ones should never be released.”

“Don’t have a say over that,” I admit.

“You wish you did?”

“Honey Badger,” Jett says with warning in his tone.

Sage bites her lip, eyes wider.

I slice a glance between them, wondering what that was about, and decide to answer the question. “Been thinking about that for years now. Wish I could do more than I do. But the laws bind us. People have rights, even if they’re criminals.” I exhale, rubbing my face in my own frustration. “Even if they’re monsters.”

The flowers Sage was holding at her chest slide down to her side. She exchanges a glance with her mother who shakes her head. It’s almost imperceptible but I spotted it.

“Okay, what am I missing here?” I ask, shifting my stance.

“Nothin’.” Jett says. “What restaurant are you going to?”

I blink at him. “You’re changing the subject.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets. “Just bein’ polite.”

“Look, I’ll be honest with you, since there’s a lot of secrecy going on here with you all.” I hold Sage’s gaze. She’s practically squirming she’s so uncomfortable. “I know we’ve got a reservation but I have to say this.” She inhales sharply, and I address Jett and Honey Badger as I confess, “I did some digging and found out that you’re not just a motorcycle club. You’re some sort of Robin Hoods of MCs or something. Heard about a human trafficking ring you broke up where you gave the blood money to the victims to start over their lives. Pay for college, even.”

The frowns that pierce the men’s foreheads — it’s like they don’t know whether to fight me or force me out of their home. Or both.

At their silence I continue, “And I have a feeling that’s only scratching the surface. What I wanna know is, why is everything so hidden?”

Jett asks, “Onthe record?”

“What?”

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